缘起
古云:“十年树木,百年树人”,教育乃民族千秋大业。育人育本,培才培正。教化广大民众以期文明
进取;传承中华文化以致钩深致远。终极实践修身、齐家、治国、平天下之大道。欣逢本校建校90周年校庆,爰简述90年来建校经过,以作参考。藉此对本校创办人、历届董家教成员、校友、热心华教人士等,对本邦女子教育所奠下基石,推动发展与无私奉献,致以崇高敬意。
言之不文,行焉不远;不著于书,传焉弗详。故今撰文以载道,以传后,非可苟焉而已也。
声教南暨
1898年百日维新,1911年辛亥革命, 1919年五四运动及大陆教育改革等促进了本邦华文教育发展。现代汉语成为教学媒介语,白话文学内容广泛应用,都为本邦掀开新式教育。一时各姓氏宗祠、会馆相应办学,为本邦华文教育种下第一棵树苗。
1919年3月17日,槟城阅报社先进明哲之士陈新政、许生理、林如德、谢生珍等闽籍侨领,鉴于本屿闽侨众多,却无女校以教育侨界女子,乃假平章会馆召开旅槟闽侨大会,商讨创办女校事宜。即席推举陈新政、林如德、许生理等91人为董事。由于创办初期需移用筹账福建水灾余款,遂命名为福建女校。
艰辛创校
福建女校原定于翌年元月15日开学。筹备既经就绪,但报名人数不多,开学日期一再展延。至3月8日,始举行开学典礼,是为本校成立之始。本校设立之初,原系租赁本屿柑仔园路29号(前三山公所社址)为校址开办小学。当时社会风气保守,侨民思想封建,都认为女子求学受教育没有其必要性,甚至出言诋毁。庆幸阅报社先贤力排众议,坚持办校初心,才造就今日的槟华四校。当时规模粗备,学制为6年制小学,4年初小,2年高小,学生人数大约52人而已。再加上地点非适中,每年收支不敷甚钜。
到了1923年,就学人数已达175人,于是迁赁打石街145号为校舍。该产业原为本邦教育先驱陈嘉庚老先生所居。几经筹划,校董诸公以3万元向陈公买下该产业。陈嘉庚老先生也承诺从屋价中,捐出1万元,以捐助本校购置校舍。这也是本校第一次拥有自身校舍。
第一女子师范
1920年英殖民地政府实施学校注册法令,条例之一规定教师须本土化。因此1927年2月间,采用本地华文视学官建议,本校增设了3年制师范班,俗称简师,以培育本地小学师资人才。这是槟榔屿第一间女子师范,同时也掀起了华社教育团体开设新式师范课程。 1931年,3年制师范班改为4年制,课程也相对进步。华文视学官认为简师班环境欠佳,空气和光线不足,建议另设分校。该官员允诺如果成功增设分校,每学期本校可多获得400元津贴。
当时校董诸公咸认另设分校他处,如地点距离过远,则会出现管教等问题。于是校董另外倡议于学校后院空地,另建双层楼1座,分为4间课室。如此一来,上述难题,将迎刃而解。此建议过后获得视学官同意,随即动工,于1928年1月1日举行落成典礼。
建立分校
1928年,学生人数已增至400多人,原有课室已不敷分配,最终采用上下午班制上课。1931年,为了适应需要,校董于南华医院街82号开设第一分校。翌年,第一分校迁至亚珍路93号。此时本校开办班级已达十‘数班,求学人数也多达600多名学生。有鉴于学生有增无减,仍旧分上下午班上课。
1935年9月,适逢钟灵中学新校舍落成,该校将原有校舍让出。第一分校再次迁至中路65号校址,打石街原址的简师及高小也随后迁入中路原校址。打石街总校仅保留并承办初小课程。中路校址,校地虽宽敞,然就学学生人数激增不断。刚搬迁时,两校约有700人,第二年两校人数已增至800多人。班数亦由20班激增至27班。
增设第二分校
由于未能容纳大量学子,校董于1937年再设第二分校于红毛路37号。1939年,第二分校迁往车水路204号。鉴于每年入学学生有增无减,董事会亟谋建新校舍,以应需求。本校遂于1939年成立福建女校校舍建筑委员会。根据当时教育局条章,凡学生有千名以上者,至1941年没有购置校舍或校地,当局将取消一切津贴。因此,福建女校购地建校之事刻不容缓。旋即太平洋战事爆发,事未果行。槟城沦陷后,本校亦随之停办将近4年。
至二战前夕,本校共有3处校舍,分别于打石街145号为正校校舍,中路65号及车水路204号为分校校址。前往本校求学之各籍女子多达千人,与此同时,为本校服务教职员也臻47人。
光复初期
1945年9月,槟城光复后,本校积极进行筹划复校工作,但校具因战事损失过多。打石街正校后段中弹3枚,校具殆尽;中路分校日军占据期间遭毛贼光顾达31次等,费时填补。迟至是年11月1日,始宣布开学。是时儿童失学已久,侨胞对子女教育之热情,倍增于昔。校门甫启,争相求入。单是打石街正校开办12班,人数达490人之多。鉴于教育乃国家命脉,校董一众认可战后恢复续办。暂定先着手处理打石街校舍,进而中路分校。第二分校则暂时按下,继而取消开办车水路(浮罗地滑)第二分校。承接战前校董决议,本校停办简师而改办中学,学制为6年制。
1946年,本校初中第一届毕业生完成考核,共28位学生円予毕业。而本校高中第一届共15人于1948年完成学业,顺利毕业。
开办高师,增设中学
另一方面,本校受政府委托开办2年制高中师范,藉以培训华校教师。高师班始于1947年,一共办了3届。连同之前的14届简师班,共计17届毕业师范班。本校也共培育䚆326位合格教师。直至1952年秋,政府收回兴办师范课程,本校也随即停办师范,专注承办摮通中学,分覾初中高中。加上原有初小及高小生,其时学生众多,中跭校址不敷应用,采用上下午班上课。因教务繁重�中路校址附属小学部自1956年起上下午班各设一位主任以负责教务工作。
30周年纪念
1950年,本校庆祝30周年纪念。由于战时文献多遭焚毁,仅由残存部分整理成册,发行特刊以留纪念。自此本校沿贯成习,每10年校庆热烈庆祝,兼出版特刊。
再次正名
1951年,校董会接纳李光前先生建议,以校名应免除畛域之见,乃于同年3月11日,在中路本校小礼堂召开赞助人大会,同意更改校名。中学部命名为槟华女子中学(PENANG CHINESE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL)。小学部则称槟华女子小学(PENANG CHINESE GIRLS’ PRIMARY SCHOOL)。
筹建新校舍
因战后学生人数之急激增加,为应付需要,兴建新校舍乃为急不容缓之图。遂于1947年成立兴建新校舍委员会。几经磋商,因原先购置之安顺律校址,不敷应用,乃议决以13万元购得栳孝店地皮一段为中学校址,面积为43万5千6百方尺,约10英亩。1954年在董事会正主席王景成,副主席许锦亮、苏承球、总务陈文炳诸先生精心策划推动下,先完成正面3层大楼1座,每层教室8间,共24间,学生宿舍及食堂1座。是为第1期工程。
1955年年底落成,中学部学生于1956年1月自中路校址搬入栳孝店校址上课,随即打石街正校初小部也拼入中路校址附属小学上课。此亦为本校中小学分校上课之始。
兴建科学馆
1954年,适逢朱月华校长掌校20周年纪念,全校师生热烈庆祝。鉴于朱校长服务日久,卓著勤辛,乃提议集资数千元,建立月华教室1间,承留纪念。出乎意料的,仅校内师生捐款,即达1万3千余元。社会人士,校董及校友相继热烈响应,并假钟灵中学怀泽堂,举行游艺大会。票务收入计得2万8千多元,共筹获4万1千余元。董事会以师生爱校精神殊甚嘉许,又适因教室亦须增建,故复斥资兴建3层楼宇1座。三楼为物理、化学、生物实验室,供高中学生,自作实验之用;二楼为自然科学室,供初中理科教学及示范试验之用;楼下4间用作普通教室。全部建筑费用,连同各项设备,共需20万元。科学馆于1956年招标承建,1957年4月竣工,同年9月开始启用,是为第2期工程。
平惠堂
第3期工程则为兴建大礼堂。董事会以本校已具规模,惟尚缺集会场所,乃决定兴建礼堂1座。当时蒙星槟平社,慨允协助筹款。该计划是一面进行建筑,一面进行筹捐,并于1957年底竣工。底层为图书馆、阅报室、会议室、办公室等,楼上则为大礼堂。礼堂可容座位1600个。大礼堂建筑费用与现代化音响,电器等设备,共耗资30万元。1957年12月14日,宏伟校舍举行落成典礼。大会恭请槟华建筑新校舍委员主席连裕祥先生主持揭幕。
感恩星槟平社多年来慷慨赞助义演,本校受惠良多,故礼堂以平惠堂命名,功勋永垂不朽。
学潮事件
1957年11月14日,因“接受改制,特别津贴”事件,继而引发第二轮学潮。学潮延烧本屿华文中学,本校亦不能幸免。槟州四间华文学校学生齐集本校礼堂,表达反对限制超龄生就学和考试媒介语等课题。在警方介入下,事件始获得平息。
小学免费教育
1958年,全马华小、淡小和英小接受政府津贴,成为标准型小学。本校小学部于1959年依据《拉曼达立报告》正式命名为槟华女子国民型小学。从1962年开始,政府实施小学免费教育,并于1964年废除小学会考,直升中学。
中学改制,创办独中
教育部来函,示意从1959年开始取消高中会考,并以华文中学离校文凭考试代之。高中学生必须参加马来西亚教育文凭考试(MCE)。中学制始为5年制。为了加强语文学习,中学第1年学生编入预备班。为了实现学生升学的愿望,考虑毕业生就业需求,中学部于1962年欣然接受政府全部津贴,改制成为国民型中学。接受改制后,学生获得免费教育,从而减轻了学生家长与社会人士的经济负担。
改制后中学全名为槟华女子国民型中学,俗称国中。学校行政教职员工一律接受教师统一薪金制,师资由教育部训练遣派。国中开办教育局所规定课程,但允许本校6节正课教授中文,教学媒介语亦改为英文,自1976年起改用马来文为教学媒介语。国中行政享有政府固定津贴,但收生条例受限定,只收适龄学生,规定学生需参加政府举办考试。
与此同时,董事部另办私立性质的独立中学。名为槟华女子独立中学,俗称独中。独中行政维持改制前现状,董事部全权负起一切行政开销,并聘校长处理一切校务。独中收生对象是在小学会考中考获丙、丁等级小六学生,超龄学生以及落第生。俾使他们能继续升学,完成求学愿望。
室内体育馆
为了学生免受日晒雨淋,并能按时进行体能运动,在校师生倡议节约筹建一个小型雨盖球场。有者每日节省零用钱,有者自动分期认捐。数额虽微,但日积月累,不下一年间已筹得1万余元。董事诸公,有感学生爱校热情,再度大力支持有关义举。由原拟之小型雨盖球场,扩大而为设备完善的室内体育馆,耗资11万元。不足之数,全由董事部负责筹募。全部工程于1961年完成。
筹建小学校舍
中学部各项建筑已渐具规模,董事部乃致力于兴建小学校舍。1958年,董事部在中学右邻购得地皮一方,计8万余方尺。图测经当局核准后,即于1961年8月兴工建筑,1962年7月竣工。计有教室21间,办公室3间,图书馆、食堂、礼堂各1间,耗资50余万元。是年八月,原中路小学即迁入新校舍上课。
1970年,小学教室人满,董事会经数度研讨,认为必须立即扩建。将原有2层校舍,增建为3层。这包括教室6间,大型体育室,学科成绩展示室,冷气会议室,以及冷气视声辅导室各1间。全部工程与设备,耗资不下20余万元。由于南岛建筑公司,在假期中赶工,1972年3月29日顺利完成使用。
1977年,董事会鉴于小学门前交通拥挤,予校舍右侧斥资1万余元,建筑柏油路,专供学生巴士使用。同年杪,在小学增建新式标准幼童篮球场1座,耗资1万余元。
专科教室及电影室
1968年,董事部重新启动早前搁下扩建中学部视频教室及特别教室计划。该座建筑物,于1969年5月完成,6月正式启用。计底层为冷气电影室,二楼有综合科学室与打字室,三楼是史地及数学特别课室。楼顶有天台,上设测风仪。全部建筑与设备,耗费约16万元。董事会主席庄汉良先生受邀主持揭幕礼。同年,董事会复斥资1万余元,为中学兴建工艺室1座,内设电窑,供制美术陶器,及雕刻印染设备。
男女同校
本校小学部自二战后复校,开始有男生前来就读,但人数不多。六十年代开始,前来就读的男生人数逐年上升,小学部遂成为男女混合学校至今。
校董诸公有鉴于小学部男生毕业后,由于华文国中名额限制,多无法直升华文中学,接受完整的母语教育。因此,校董有意开放中学部为男女同校。第一批、第二批,第三批男生分别于1971,1972,1973年报到就读槟华女中。独中部也成功于1975年起招收男生。经多方观察考量,发觉管制纯女校文化与男女同校理念无法相反相成,惟有停止招收男生。自1980年起,国中、独中不再招收男生就读,中学部男女同校实验终走进本校历史名册。
增建新校舍
1976年初,鉴于独中与国中共用同一教学楼教室上课,颇为不便,而国中学生日增,教室亦不敷应用,乃在校园大钟楼后增建3层楼1栋及宿舍,每层课室5间,建筑费约20万元。1976年10月30日,恭请陈正直副董事主席揭幕。一楼与二楼由国中使用,三楼供独中使用。同年第二学期,国中独中分别迁入上课。1986年4月间,董事会在中学重建最新国际标准篮球场两座,耗资32,000元。与此同时,董事拿督王富金局绅报效增建四阶级看台。
创设电脑班
为了让莘莘学子掌握资讯与科技,董事部决定让中小学开办电脑班。1986年9月中,董事会将宽敞打字室分为电脑室与打字室,电脑室内置20台电脑,并开设电脑班。同时,校内行政也逐步迈向电脑化,以提升行政的效率。两年后办公室添增价值近1万元之1台硬磁碟AT电脑与两架打印机,方便行政之用。2001年,在英特尔公司赞助下,国中首创E-教室。随电脑实用性普及化与庞大的教学需求,国中至今共开拓5间电脑室以供学子学习。本校也设网页,迎合时代需求。
1987年底,董事会鉴于中学课室不敷应用,出现流动班现象。遂将原有之宽敞缝纫室加隔3间课室。而久已不用之工艺室,另辟为两间课室,以济燃眉之急。
华小高职事件
1987年学校第三学期开始,教育部调升多位不具华文资格教师担任华小副校长、下午班主任等行政职位,华小三大机构强烈反对,全国华社一片哗然。槟州华团及政党于10月14日晚举行抗议大会,抗议此措施有违当初接受全津诺言并以行动捍卫华小不变质原则。是晚出席者情绪高昂,不愿接受展延罢课建议。大会最后决定如期罢课3天,本校小学部也深受影响。校董对维护本邦华教最后一片堡垒完整性的择善而从之情,不言而喻。
维修校舍
经过近半世纪岁月的洗礼,本校多样硬体设备也趋向老化,再加上庞大就读人数与教职员,董事部与家协联手进行革新,打造更舒适的教与学环境。自1996年伊始,先后将原有图书馆改为宽敞的教员办公室,食堂上层则成为现代化冷气图书馆。食堂重新修建饮食摊格。旧楼大厅右侧是行政人员办事处,左侧则为冷气会议室。正门前厅两翼左右前方各别分隔成辅导处及合作社。平惠堂办事处装置空调设备,重新装备舞台背景。电影室顶楼天台加盖屋顶,从而解决逢雨漏泄现象。
1997年,校方为了符合生活技能课程及提高其它教学水准,特增设2间烹饪室、2间缝纫室及3间工艺室。国中部盥洗室、排水管多有阻塞、室内瓷砖也多斑驳破损。自2008年开始,逐步进行修建,费用达10万令吉。
创设学前教育
有鉴于学前教育的普及,以及为槟华中小学三校职员子女提供一个学前教育场所,董事部乃于1963年创办槟华幼稚园,以顺应时代需求。1963年,董事部聘请洪完全女士掌校并筹办开校。本园先是借用中学宿舍楼开办2班,其时学生人数共41人,教职员5位。由于宿舍楼上还附设中学手工室,中学部与幼稚园上课时间又无从协调,幼稚园遂利用礼堂后座楼下化妆室上课。第二年本园又迁至小学部图工室上课。
直至1964年7月,本园开始借用中路明新小学新校舍上课。由于活动空间宽敞,校务也蒸蒸日上,人数也多达80多名学生。1966年初,又因种种原因本园再度迁回槟华小学上课。1970年,幼稚园学生增至177名。除了借用小学部2间教室外,也借用礼堂开办另2班。
幼稚园新校舍
槟华幼稚园自1963年创办以来,先后借用中小学教室及明新小学校舍,因此无论在教学上或活动上,皆受到环境的限制而不能有正常的发展。有鉴于此,董事会决定在中学校园内,将原有教员宿舍拆除,改建3层楼幼稚园校舍。校园有小礼堂、图书馆、玩具室、鱼池、游乐场,耗资20万。新校舍于1971年第2学期正式启用。1976年幼稚园新辟游戏室、太空室及儿童乐园等供幼童玩乐的特别课室。
槟华安亲班
鉴于现代父母多为双薪家庭,同时也为了让就读小学学生上课前与下课后有个好去处,董事部于2006年毅然开办槟华安亲班。如此一来,学生能得到适当的指导学习, 同时也让正课学习与课余学习达到有机的结合。
嘉树馆
为了提升校誉,同时也为了申办先修班做好准备,校董于90年代着手兴建耗资百万令吉4层楼16间课室的校舍。适逢其时,独中部就读学生人数激增,国中也再次出现科学实验室不足,课室短缺现象。
为此,校董发动筹款增建校舍,成绩斐然。感念本屿树胶工会捐献巨额善举,遂命该栋楼宇为嘉树楼。此后,国中从钟楼后校舍逐步迁往嘉树馆,而独中也拥有完整一栋3层楼校舍作为教学用途。
振兴独中
自教育部于1956年实施小学自动升级制,1962年小学免费教育及1964年废除小六升中学考试及落实九年基本教育政策后,独中部频频面临学生来源短缺现实,以至1989年一度酝酿停办独中窘境。在爱护母语教育的大前提下,校董诸公决心接手并设法挽救独中。为了振兴独中,1991年校董采纳槟威董联会策划发展独中建议。校方办学方针更动,施教课程兼顾独中统考及政府考试,经多年惨淡经营,终究看到成果,学生人数每年也有上升趋势。适逢印尼事件,独中部就读人数近800人。这也是本校独中部复兴之始。
自2000年后,独中部教学落实董教总独中教育路线,学生在完成母语教育的前提下,更是加强国英语学习,以期毕业学生能够掌握三语,加强自身竞争优势。经多年努力宣教,终赢获家长对本部办学方针的认同。近几年也成功吸引华小优秀生前来报读。
5层楼校舍
1995年教育部取消小六升中学就读预备班条例,造成前来报读国中人数飙升。中一班级一度达23班之巨。与此同时,独中部也因印尼动乱事件,出现人数爆满现象。于是校董于1995年计划筹建一栋5层楼校舍,以应对就读学子人数上升而造就课室不足窘困。随着图测于1996年获准后,各方积极展开扩建工作。通过千人宴、文娱晚会、缘捐等活动,以筹足300万令吉建筑费。
5层楼校舍于1998年初建竣。适逢国中申办先修班获准于1998年开班授课,校方更急需用到课室以符合开班条例。因此是年国中、独中学生分别迁入该栋5层楼校舍上课。独中得以扩充并拥有足够的科学实验室;国中也缓解了因中一生过多与开办先修班造成课室不足的问题。国中第1届先修班共193人,顺利于1999年结业。
雨盖“超级走廊”
1998年杪,董事会在小学与中学交界处兴建1座耗资数万元的宽阔雨盖走廊,名为“超级走廊”。该走廊供中小学生进出校园,以免日晒雨淋。该走廊建竣后,除了有效加强学生安全外,也大大减低了校前交通阻塞的问题。
历任教务长
学校能有如此的发展,有赖于董、教、学三方面的合作与社会人士的爱护。历年来主持校务者鲜少更易,于是能专心落实既定计划与目标。这就是促成槟华四校顺利发展的最大原因。本校初期采用教务长制,至1945年复校后始用校长尊称。
1920年,学校初办,乃请本校教员陈蕴美女士暂为代理教务长一职。之后朱素英女士受聘到校,是为第一任教务长。继朱素英女士为张清和女士。张女士于1923年8月去职,聘杨和林女士掌校。杨女士在位5年,至1929年辞职回国,由李蕴德女士继任。未到2年,李女士亦去职,由廖宝和女士代理,凡3年。1935年,朱月华女士受聘于本校出任教务长一职至1945年。自本校开办中学以来,朱月华女士身负重任,统理中小学至1957年。
国中部校长
1957年后,中小学行政分开,朱月华女士专任中学部校长至1966年。朱月华女士执掌本校,前后共32年。朱月华女士是历任校长中,服务最久的长者。朱月华女士经历二战之役,与历届校董同心协力从废墟中复办学校。在学制上,朱校长开办了最初的初小高小扩展至以后初中高中。她也经手承办简师而高师课程。在行政上,朱月华女士也从开始执掌正分校务,以至后来发展至今日集四校于一方堂皇校舍。朱校长办学认真,为本校鞠躬尽瘁,居功至伟。
1966年10月朱校长退休,由顾翰芳女士代理校长一职,至1969年11月退休。林赋田女士接替顾女士留下的空缺至1977年4月12日退休。林赋田女士历经槟华发展历史洪流并致力谋求董事部、校方、教职员三方面的高度合作精神。以此理念,带领槟华跨越教学转型大气候。尔后,校友张宝珠女士接任校长一职。
张宝珠校长秉持槟华女中一贯校风,着重贯彻槟华核心价值庄诚勤朴美德。张女士凡是亲力亲为,处事率直果断。张女士于1996年5月退休,由杨礼昭女士掌校至2005年5月25日。杨校长主张强化课外活动,学生通过参与课外活动以提升身心均衡发展。杨校长掌校期间成立了多个服务团体,扩大学生学习层面,进而让学生有机会接触且掌握各种生活技能。为了配合教育部政策,她也为国中设计了国中使命与规划国中愿景。
杨 女士自2005年接掌校务,以迄至今。杨校长着重全人教育。她坚信在情智商兼备下,冀愿我校学生能以坚毅韧劲随时随地应对大时代的瞬变,迎向人生更美好的未来。
独中部校长
独中首任校长为李学思女士,一年后,李校长由于居留权问题而辞职。1963年由校友王秀莲女士掌校至1965岁末,过后王校长进入新加坡大学继续求深造,并由校友李金銮女士接替。李女士于1984年8月提早退休,尔后董事会委任校友王秀美女士为校长。至1991年校政又由伍锦海先生接任至1994年退休。伍校长身负重任,为独中复苏惨淡经营,带领独中部度过时代危机。
之后由陈秋亭女士接任。陈女士掌校至2000年并由黄金珠校长继任至2002年陈秋亭女士与黄金珠女士一致推崇快乐的学习,以期健康的成长教育理念。廖静仪女士于2003年出任校长一职,以迄至今。廖校长在秉持槟华固有的美德外,更强调成人成材。
小学部校长
小学部自1957年起,由校友梁秀英女士掌校,至1976年4月间,梁校长退休,则由郭喜今先生出任署理校长,至12月底。1977年1月至6月,由校友李鸿莲女士出任署理校长。同年7月1日起,由校友蔡明美女士继任,至1982年11月退休。1982年12月起,由吴秋兰女士接任。1992年10月吴女士退休后由李鸿莲校长主持校政,至1993年10月退休,又由杨周月云校长于1994年2月接任,至1997年他调,即由尤明月女士接任,以至现今。
学前部园长
幼稚园首任校长洪完全女士,于1963年上任,至1968年底离职。洪园长为槟华幼稚园从零和开始做起,为本园日后发展奠下基础。1969年起,由校友蒋淑金女士接任,以迄现今。蒋园长咸认本园为华校一环,一切以发扬中华文化为本。本园教学以中文为主,英巫为辅。
槟华女校同学会
槟华女校同学会成立于1941年,会务尚未开展,就遭逢二战。1954年,朱月华校长有感时势需求,认为同学会有复办必要,而校友会也于1958年成功复办。回顾该会对母校多有回馈。为了配合母校校务发展,校友会给于四校不同程度援助。计有奖品赞助,提供清寒助学金,鼓励中学生报考中文等义举,更藉回校庆典为母校筹款。校友会成为继董、家教以外,为本校作出贡献的巨臂之一。
家教协会
为了响应教育局鼓励家长积极参与发展教育事业,国中家协与独中家协先后于1973年3月25日和1993年成立。槟华家协成立宗旨意在联络家长与教师感情,藉以交换学生学习与管教上心得。通过合作,进而提高学生学习程度与改善学生福利。对校内举办各项活动与物资赞助,本校家协义不容辞鼎力相助。对四校发展,槟华家协更是主动且积极配合四校董事部,为四校发展,群策群力,贡献槟华。
董事会秘书处
为了方便四校与校董部之间文书处理工作,校董倡议设立董事部秘书处。2001年,槟华四校董事部永久性秘书处正式成立并坐落在平惠堂前右侧。
结语
本校自1921年3月8日创办以来,凡90年。在此漫长岁月中,学制屡有兴革,自初小、高小、简师、初中、高师、高中以至先修班。如今,国中、独中、小学、幼稚园4个单位的校舍也矗立于偌大校园内。各单位软硬设备齐全,可谓臻至完善。前来槟华就读人数亦由当初最少的数十名增至今日数千人;班数也由初期的三两班,增至目前百余班。草创槟华,好比披荆斩棘。守成教育志业,除却诚惶诚恐办学,继任者更须兼备开创新格局大志。90年来孕育出的历届毕业校友,遍布星马及海外各地。铭记庄诚勤朴校训,校友给予社会的贡献,诚不可谓不大。凡我校学子,曾在槟华栋宇下弦歌诵读,诚当饮水思源,勿负先贤创校美意。
重建校舍辗转艰辛,董教双方历年努力,固不可忘。至于筹款过程,其始为一日一分捐,办学术展,举行千人宴,售卖游艺会礼券,家协校友劝捐,教职员献金,董事部慨助,与社会人士喜丧二事捐献,甚至多次粉墨登场义演筹款等,其慷慨赞助,与对子女教育之重视,实有足多者。而建校委员会委员诸公,连年奔走,出钱出力,热爱华校之情,高风亮节,堪称楷模。
爰述其概略如上,以励将来,其间如有探查未周,记叙阙略者,尚希阅者予以指示,以待补正。
INTRODUCTION
The education of a person starts from the cradle. It not only shapes personal growth but also the development of an ethnic identity that culminates in civilizational attainments of that race. In celebrating the 90th anniversary of Penang Chinese Girls’ High School, a documented record tracing the historical origins and development has been compiled for posterity. In addition, this archival writing relives the early aspirations, progressive challenges and academic milestones achieved by the pioneers, PTAs, alumni and myriads of Chinese education proponents in the region. For sure, word-of-mouth and piecemeal historical accounts do not measure up to a full factual update. Hence, the raison-detre for this invaluable publication to be a beacon of inspiration for the generations to come.
MODERN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
The 100-day Self-Advancement Movement, 1911 Revolution, May 4 Declaration and reformation of the Mainland Chinese educational system impacted greatly upon the development of Chinese vernacular education in Peninsular Malaysia. On 17 March 1919, Hokkien leaders from the Penang Philomatic Union , viz Messrs. Tan Sin Chen, Lim Lu Tek, Khor Sen Lee and Cheah Seng Tin convened a meeting of Penang Hokkien residents at the Peng Chang Association. The consensus was for the establishment of an exclusive girls’ school to educate Hokkien girls. In all, 91 people were entrusted with the task. As the initial costs for commencing the school session involved a transfer of the balance of funds from the Fujian Province flood disaster relief, the school was named Fukien Girls’ School.
THE EARLY YEARS
The proposed opening of Fukien Girls’ School on 16 Jan 1920 had to be put off on account of the lukewarm response from the local Chinese community. 8 March 1920 saw the school’s first day of operation at its premise in 29, Dato Kramat Road. Owing in part to conservative orthodox thinking, early efforts in providing for girls’ education met with disappointing, if not hostile, results from the general populace. Nevertheless, the Penang Philomatic Union leaders persisted steadfastly. A six-year primary school curriculum was introduced. School enrolment was not up to expectation on account of the non-strategic location of the school. Consequently, the school operated at a loss for several years. In 1923, the population had grown to a hundred odd students. The school moved to 145, Acheh Street, when the owner of the premise, Mr. Chen Jiageng, a leading local educationist, consented to an ownership transfer for a consideration of thirty thousand dollars. The philanthropist donated a third of the sale and purchase price towards the school development fund. From thence, for the first time ever, Fukien Girls’ School owned its premises.
CLASS FOR FEMALE TEACHERS
In 1920, a school registration enactment was approved by the British. Following that, it was suggested that Fukien Girls’ School organise a 3-year Normal Class in 1927 to facilitate the training of the local teachers’ workforce. This was extended to a 4-year course in 1931 using a new teaching curriculum. This class was the first of its kind in Penang.
OPENING OF FIRST BRANCH
It was deemed necessary in 1928 to have two sessions when the student enrolment increased to 400 students. Fukien Girls’ School First Branch was established at 80, Jalan Muntri and the premise was changed to 93, Hutton Lane the following year. There was another shift of premise in 1935 to 65, Macalister Road when the said premise was vacated by Chung Ling Secondary School. This premise also accommodated the students from Acheh Street except for the lower primary classes. A total of 27 classes was opened to accommodate 800 students.
FUKIEN GIRLS’ SCHOOL SECOND BRANCH
In view of the exponential increase in student enrolment, the Board of Governors established a third school at 37, Kelawai Road in 1937. This branch moved to 204, Burma Road two years later. By this time, a school building committee was set up with the purpose of building a new freehold school which could accommodate a large student population. However, the Second World War broke out and the schools ceased operations during the Japanese Occupation.
POST- WAR REOPENING
Refurbishing work was carried out in September, 1945 but the reopening of the schools was postponed until early November because of extensive damage. Priority was given to the premises at Acheh Street and subsequently at Macalister Road which had undergone bombing and looting respectively. The reopening of the second branch was abandoned. Normal Class was terminated and plans were under way to establish a secondary school which offered a 3-year lower secondary education and a similar tenure for upper secondary education. In 1946, a total of 28 lower secondary students graduated while 15 students graduated after completing their upper secondary education in 1948. Under the advisement of the Education Department, a 2-year Senior Normal Course was held for three consecutive terms commencing from 1947 to train new teachers. Fukien Secondary School had successfully churned out 326 trainee teachers to serve in Chinese schools since 1927.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND A NAME CHANGE
To commemorate the 30th anniversary celebration of the school in 1950, a magazine detailing the school activities was published. Thereafter, it became a common practice to publish a magazine every ten years on the school’s historical origins and developments. In 1951, the Board of Governors accepted a suggestion by Dr. Lee Kong Chian to change the name of the school more suited to its social-cultural locality, hence, the naming of Penang Chinese Girls’ High School and Penang Chinese Girls’ Primary School.
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SCHOOL BUILDING
In 1947, a committee was set up to build a new building for the school to solve the problem of congestion in the classrooms. A plot of land along Anson Road was bought prior to this but the area was not large enough to accommodate the large number of students. The authorities later decided to purchase a 10-acre piece of land along Gottlieb Road at a price of one hundred and thirty thousand dollars. Under the supervision of the school’s Board of Governors, Mr. Ong Keng San and his colleagues, a three-storey block was constructed with 24 classrooms. The first phase also included the construction of another double-storey building which housed the girls’ hostel and canteen. In January 1956, students moved into the new premise at Gottlieb Road. The primary school students at Acheh Street were assimilated with the students at Macalister Road. Since then, the primary and secondary school students received their education under separate roofs.
SCIENCE BLOCK
In conjunction with Madam Chu Yuet Hwa’s 20th tenure of service as the school principal, a function was held to recognise her contributions to the school. As a gesture of appreciation, teachers and students suggested carrying out a donation drive to build a classroom and to name it after her. The total amount of donations touched thirteen thousand dollars. This drive received wide attention and support from the public as well as the Board of Governors’ committee members and alumni. A charity concert was held at Chung Ling Secondary School and proceeds from the sale of tickets amounted to twenty-eight thousand dollars. The Board of Governors was touched by the generosity displayed that it decided to build another 3-storey building which would solve the problem of space to carry out the teaching and learning activities. This new building would house science labs, Chemistry, Physics and Biology labs, plus four additional classrooms. This science block came under the second phase of the project and 200 thousand dollars was spent. It was fully operational by September 1957.
PING HUI TANG HALL
The third phase saw the construction of the hall to hold school assemblies. A donation drive and the construction of the hall took place simultaneously. It was ready by the end of 1957. The ground floor of the building consisted of a reading room, a library, a meeting room and an office. The first floor housed the hall, equipped with modern facilities and a 1600-seater capacity. The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr. Heah Joo Seang on 14 December 1957. The construction costs amounted to 300 thousand dollars. The school authorities were very grateful to the Peng Seah Society for their generosity and staunch support in the construction of this new building and making it a reality. The hall was named Ping Hui Tang Hall.
STUDENT DEMONSTRATION
A decision by the Board of Governors to amend the school system and an acceptance of government subsidy resulted in an uprising of student demonstration which ultimately led to a riot around the nation. In the second riot on 14 November 1957, students from four secondary Chinese schools banded together in the school hall. These students protested against the age limit set for class enrolment and the medium of instruction used in examinations. This rioting incident abated only after police intervention.
FREE EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY LEVEL
In 1958, all primary schools in Malaya received government subsidy. As stated in the Rahman Talib Report, the primary school was named SRJK (C) Perempuan China Pulau Pinang. In 1962, school fees for primary level were abolished. All primary school children were exempted from the Year Six examination and were allowed to continue their education in the secondary schools starting 1964.
SM NATIONAL TYPE AND SM PRIVATE
Under the orders of the Education Ministry, it was compulsory for all secondary school students to sit for the MCE public examination starting 1959. Subsequently, a 5-year education system was introduced. Year Six students entering secondary schools were enrolled into remove classes to strengthen their command of the national language. The secondary school accepted the government’s offer and in 1962, changed its status to ‘sekolah menengah jenis kebangsaan’ after deliberations on the implications it would have on the students’ future especially on areas where careers and further education opportunities were concerned. Hence, upon the acceptance of the change, the school was registered as SMJK Perempuan China Pulau Pinang. The ministry was responsible for the training and supply of the teachers. The teachers also received a standard salary scheme. The ministry set the core curriculum and the school was permitted to teach the Chinese Language for 6 periods a week. The medium of instruction was changed from Mandarin to English Language and later to Bahasa Malaysia in 1976. Student entrance age was restricted to certain conditions and students were required to sit for the government public examination.
Besides that, the Board of Governors also built a private school as an opening to students who had obtained grades of Cs or Ds in their Standard Six Examination, overaged students as well as those who had failed in their public examination to continue their secondary level education. Administrative costs would be borne by the Board and a former educator was invited to be the principal of the school and to oversee administrative work pertaining to the running of the school. The school was registered as SM Persendirian Perempuan China Pulau Pinang.
INDOOR STADIUM
To shield the students from weather extremities during physical education lessons, an indoor stadium was built. A donation campaign was carried out. Collections came from the students using their pocket money and payment by installment. An amount of 10 thousand ringgit was collected over a period of a year. Touched by the collaborative effort of the students, the Board of Governors decided to expand the project into a closed stadium which cost 110 thousand ringgit. The building was completed in 1961.
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL BUILDING
After undergoing four phases of renovating and refurbishing the secondary school, the school building committee started to focus on rebuilding the primary school. In 1958, the school board successfully obtained a piece of land approximately 80 thousand square feet on the right hand side of the secondary school. Construction started in August 1961 and it was completed in July 1962. The expenditure was about 550 thousand ringgit. It consisted of 21 classes, 3 offices, a library, a canteen and a hall. The primary school then shifted to the new premise at Gottlieb Road in August 1962.
However in 1970, the classrooms were insufficient and the Board of Governors unanimously agreed that the primary school should be expanded immediately. The construction of a new storey was able to accommodate 6 classes, a gymnasium, an exhibition hall, an air-conditioned meeting room and an air-conditioned audio visual room. The total expenditure exceeded 200 thousand ringgit. The expansion was completed on 29 March 1972. To overcome the traffic congestion, the Board of Governors allocated a total of 10 thousand ringgit to build a tar road for school buses on the right hand of the school in 1977. Meanwhile, a basketball court which cost 10 thousand ringgit was also completed at the end of that year.
SPECIAL ROOMS AND A THEATRETTE
In 1968, the Board of Governors restarted the plan to build the special subject room which was previously postponed. This building consisted of an air-conditioned theatrette on the ground floor, a science laboratory on the second floor and a typing room. Special rooms for subjects like Geography, History and Mathematics were placed on the second floor. Besides that, the roofing was also equipped with facilities for meteorological studies. The cost of this building was 160 thousand ringgit. In June 1969, this building was officially opened by Datuk Choong Han Leong. In the same year, a handicraft room built at a cost of 10 thousand ringgit was also completed.
CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL
When the schools reopened after WWII, admission of male students was permitted at the primary school. Initially, the enrolment was limited but increased after the 1960s. This paved the way for the co-educational system to be made a permanent fixture of the primary school.
In order to provide opportunities for male students who would like to further their studies after their primary school education, the Board of Governors introduced the co-educational system. For the first time in 1971 and 1972, male students studied in SMJK whereas the private school started receiving male students in 1973. Because of the administrative difficulties faced, the school authorities decided to abolish the co-educational system.
BUILDING OF A NEW BLOCK
Since 1962, the students of SMJK and the private school shared the same premises to carry out teaching and learning activities. However, many problems arose. Therefore, the Board of Governors decided to build a three-storey new block. It consisted of a hostel and five classrooms on each floor. This helped to overcome the shortage of classrooms in view of the increasing number of students. The total cost of the building was 20 thousand ringgit and the building was officially opened by Mr. Tan Cheng Tit, vice chairman of the Board of Governors, on 30 October 1976. The students from the SMJK used the area on the first and second floor whereas the private school students used the third floor starting from the second semester of the same year.
RECONSTRUCTION OF BASKETBALL COURT AND SETTING UP OF COMPUTER CLASSES
In August 1986, two basketball courts were reconstructed according to international standards by the school board. The total cost was 32 thousand ringgit. Besides that, Datuk Ong Hoo Kim also made a personal donation in the form of a four- tiered seating platform for basketball supporters.
In September 1986, the Board of Governors refurbished the typewriting room and the computer laboratories. The computer classes were held to give ICT exposure to the students. The school believed that it was essential for primary and secondary students to be equipped with ICT knowledge. Computer classes commenced after twenty sets of computers were purchased. Administrative work was also carried out with the use of computers and this contributed to a greater level of efficiency. An AT Hard disk computer as well as two printers worth 10 thousand ringgit were provided for office use two years later. For the first time in the history of the school, Intel set up a E learning classroom in 2001. To date, the school has a total of five computer rooms and a web site has also been set up.
By the end of 1987, the school again faced a shortage of classrooms and the school Board of Governors wholeheartedly agreed to renovate the sewing rooms into 3 classrooms whereas the old industrial arts classroom would be transformed into two classrooms to overcome the problems faced by floating classes.
ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS IN SJK(C)
In the third school term of 1987, the Education Ministry promoted non-Chinese educated teachers to administrative positions in Chinese primary schools. This move received a negative response from the Chinese community especially associations related to the administration of Chinese schools. Chinese associations and political parties in Penang organized demonstrations to oppose this move as it was in conflict with the conditions for Chinese schools to be recognized as government-aided schools. The demonstrations were also aimed at preserving the identity of Chinese schools. Emotions were high and a decision was made to boycott classes at all Chinese schools for the next three days. The Board of Governors was determined to preserve the identity of Chinese schools.
UPGRADING SCHOOL FACILITIES
Due to the increasing school population and the passage of time, the Board of Governors and Parent-Teacher Association developed a schedule to upgrade the school amenities to enhance the learning environment. In 1996, the school library was converted into the new staff room, while the floor above the canteen was converted into the school library. The canteen food stalls were relocated. The administrative office was relocated to the right wing of the old block while an air-conditioned meeting room was on the left. A counseling room and co-operative store were located on the two sides of the school main entrance. Air-conditioners were installed in the Ping Hui Tang Hall and the stage backdrop was refurbished. A zinc roof was built over the concrete roof of the theatrette to prevent water leakage. In 1997, two cookery rooms, two needlework rooms and three workshops were built to enhance the teaching and learning of the Living Skills subject. At the beginning of 2008, renovation works were carried out on the school toilets in the old block. The renovation works which included plumbing and tiling came to an estimated cost of 100 thousand ringgit.
ESTABLISHMENT OF PENANG CHINESE KINDERGARTEN
A kindergarten was set up by the Board of Governors for the children of the teachers in view of the increasing importance of pre-school education. The first headmistress of the kindergarten was Madam Ang Wan Chuan. With an enrolment of 41 pupils, classes were conducted in the hostel of the secondary school by five teachers in two classrooms. Later the kindergarten moved to the make-up room before shifting again to the art room of the primary school one year after. In July 1964, it was relocated to the premises of SJK(C) Min Sin Macalister Road where the enrolment grew to 80 pupils. The kindergarten was relocated to the primary school again in early 1996 and by 1970, there were 177 pupils. There were a total of four classes, two of which were in the hall of the primary school.
NEW KINDERGARTEN BUILDING
In 1970, the Board of Governors made the decision to construct a new building for the kindergarten. Work on the three-storey building started at the site of the former teachers’ quarters at an estimated cost of RM 200,000. In the second term of 1971, classes began in the new building which consisted of a hall, library, play-room, fish pond and a playground. A new play-room, astronomy room and cheer room were added in 1976.
NURSERY
In 2006, as dual income families had become the societal norm, the Board of Governors decided to open a nursery for parents and teachers who were keen to ensure an early education for their children.
JIA SHU GUAN BUILDING
In the early1990s, the Board of Governors constructed a four-storey building with 16 classrooms to accommodate the Form Six students for the first time. The total cost of the building was estimated at RM 1 million. Upon its completion, classes which before were located in the private secondary school moved to the new building. From then on, the private secondary school occupied the entire building located behind the school bell tower. In recognition of the contribution of the Penang Rubber Association to the construction of the building, the latter was named Jia Shu Guan Building.
THE RESURGENCE IN PENANG CHINESE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL (PRIVATE)
Since the implementation of the nine-year free education policy by the Education Ministry in 1956 where primary school students were automatically promoted to secondary school, primary school students were exempted from paying school fees in 1962 and with the abolishment of the Standard Six Examination, Peng Hua Private often faced the problem of decreasing student enrolment. Owing to this, it was recommended that Peng Hua Private be closed by 1989. To ensure that the vernacular education system continued to exist, the Board of Governors initiated ways to prevent the closure of the school. The authorities concerned accepted the suggestions of the United Chinese School Committee Association of Malaysia (Dong Jiao Zhong) to maintain Peng Hua Private. Emphasis was placed on the United Examination Certificate (UEC) and the Malaysian public examinations. Years of concerted effort finally produced the desired results when the response from students was encouraging. Coincidentally, due to the riots in Jakarta, almost 800 students came to study at Peng Hua Private. This resurgence marked the turning point in the history of this educational institution.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIVE-STOREY BUILDING
In 1995, the Education Ministry abolished the need for Remove classes. Consequently, the enrolment of Form One students doubled. Peng Hua Private faced a shortage of classrooms, especially Science laboratories due to the sudden increase in student enrolment following the riots in Jakarta. As such, the Board of Governors suggested building a five-storey building to address the problem. The building plan was approved in 1996 at an estimated cost of 3 million ringgit. Various fund-raising activities such as a concert and dinner were organized. The said building was finally completed in 1998. At the same time, Sixth Form classes commenced in Penang Chinese Girls’ High School and there was a need for more classrooms. Hence, the new building was able to cater to the needs of both schools.
SUPER CORRIDOR
By the end of 1998, the Board of Governors also built a super corridor connecting the primary and secondary schools. It was a passage way for students from both schools and would not only shelter the students from rain or shine but also ensure their safety.
PRINCIPALS AND HEADMISTRESSES
The rapid development of Chinese Girls’ School was due to the close cooperation among the Board of Governors, Parent-Teacher Association and the local community. Besides that, the school administrators were long- serving teachers of the school. Thus, this enabled them to achieve targets previously planned. Initially, the chief administrator of the school was known as the Supervisor until the end of World War II. Since 1945, it was amended to the Principal or Headmistress.
When the school was established in 1920, Mdm. Tan Wun Bee was appointed as the Acting Supervisor to administrate the school, following which Mdm. Choo Soo Eng was appointed the first Supervisor. The second Supervisor, Mdm. Chan Cheng Hoe, held the post until August 1923. Mdm. Yeo Hoe Lim succeeded Mdm. Chan and served for five years. In 1929, she resigned and returned to mainland China. Next, Mdm. Lee Woon Teck began her tenure as Supervisor for almost two years. Her successor was Mdm. Liao Pao Hoe who was the Acting Supervisor for three years. In 1935, Mdm. Chu Yuet Hwa was offered the supervisory post which she held until 1945.Since the establishment of the secondary school, Mdm. Chu had administered both the primary and secondary schools.
SMJK PRINCIPALS
With the dawning of 1957, administrative matters of the primary and secondary schools were separated. Mdm. Chu Yuet Hwa then focused on the administration of the secondary school until her retirement in 1966. She had contributed 32 years of dedicated service and was the longest serving principal of the school. She helped to restore the school system after World War II. During her tenure, the school system had developed from the lower primary school, the upper primary school, the lower secondary school until the upper secondary school. She was also actively involved in the teachers’ training program such as the setting up of Normal Class and Senior Normal Class. Besides developing the school in her charge, Mdm.. Chu also headed the chief administrators for Chinese Girls’ Schools and had proven beyond any doubt her capabilities as an educationist.
Upon her retirement in October 1966, Mdm. Chu was succeeded by Mdm. Ku Han Fang until her subsequent retirement in November 1969. The next principal was Mdm. Lin Fu Tien who retired on 12 April 1977. Mdm. Lin was a strong advocate for unwavering commitment from the Board of Governors, the school administrators as well as the teachers in order to weather the academic challenges and the constant paradigm shifts in the teaching and learning process. Mdm. Teoh Poh Chu succeeded Mdm. Lin as the school principal until her retirement in mid 1996. Mdm. Teoh was a firm believer in upholding the spirit of the school motto.
Subsequently, Mdm. Yeoh Loy Cheow held the said post until her retirement on 25 May 2005. Mdm. Yeoh emphasized co-curricular activities as she believed that a balanced mental and physical development in students could only be achieved through such activities. During her tenure, Students Service Groups were founded. These units have been spearheaded by the current principal, Ms. Yeo Eng Sim, since 2005. As a believer in holistic education, Ms. Yeo opined that only those with high IQ and EQ could withstand the test of time as well as achieve individual happiness.
PRINCIPALS OF PRIVATE SCHOOL
The first principal of the private school was Mdm. Lee Hsuo Se who left a year later in 1963 due to her residency status. Then, Ms. Ong Siew Lean took over as the principal until the end of 1965, when she went on to pursue her studies in Singapore University. Her successor was Mdm. Lee Kim Luan who opted for an early retirement in August 1984. The baton was passed on to Mdm. Ong Siew Bee who served the school until 1991. In the same year, Mr. Ng Kim Hai took over the helm upon the invitation of the Board of Governors. He held the post until his retirement in 1994. When he was in office, Mr. Ng worked diligently to ensure the smooth running of the private school. He was succeeded by Mdm. Chen Chew Ting until 2000 and Mdm. Ooi Kim Choo until 2002 respectively. Both principals emphasized on ‘happy’ learning which would impinge on a wholesome adulthood. Ms. Leow Ghin Ngee has taken over the helm since 2003. Besides promoting the importance of moral values, Ms. Leow believes that it is imperative for individuals to be able to make positive contributions.
HEADMISTRESSES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL
Mdm. Leong Siew Ying became the headmistress of Penang Chinese Girls’ Primary School in 1957 until her retirement in April 1976 and Mr. Loay Hee Kim acted as headmaster until the end of 1976. The succession was passed on to Mdm. Lee Hong Lean as acting Headmistress from January to June, 1977. The next headmistress was Mdm. Chuah Beng Bee who commenced her tenure from 1 July 1977 until her retirement in November 1982. She was succeeded by Mdm. Ng Chew Lan who served from December 1982 until October 1992. Upon her retirement, Mdm. Lee Hong Lean took over the post. She subsequently retired in October 1993, and the position was succeeded by Ms. Yeoh Chew Guat Hoon in February 1994. When Ms. Yeoh was transferred in November 1997, her successor was Ms. Ewe Beng Guat who remains the current Headmistress.
KINDERGARTEN HEADMISTRESS
Mdm. Ang Wan Chuan was selected to be the first Headmistress of the Kindergarten in 1963. She pioneered its setting-up and retired towards the end of 1968. Mdm. Chionh Seok Kim then assumed the mantle in 1969 till currently. She holds the view that preschool education is one of the pillars of Chinese education and which needs nurturing from early on.
PENANG CHINESE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION
The Penang Chinese Girls’ High School Old Girls’ Association was established in 1941 and unfortunately, had to cease operating when World War II broke out. Mdm. Chu Yuet Hwa, the Principal, decided to reactivate the Association in 1954. Eventually, the Old Girls’ Association was revived in 1958. It remains one of the strong supports towards the development of the school.
PTA
In heeding the call from the Ministry of Education for greater involvement in the school’s educational development, the PTAs of PCGHS and PCGHS (Private) were set up in 1973 and 1993 respectively. Its main objective is to strengthen ties between parents and educators. In addition, PTA members get to share opinions and experiences in their children’s education. Besides ensuring the welfare of students in the school, the PTA plays a pivotal role in assisting the Board of Governors propels the school forward.
SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARD SECRETARIAT
In order to facilitate documentation matters among the Penang Chinese Girls’ Schools and the School Governing Board, a permanent office secretariat was proposed. Today, that secretariat office is situated near the entrance to the school hall.
CONCLUSION
Since its inception on 3 March 1920, the school has grown from strength to strength and shall be celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2010. Throughout its illustrious history, the school has seen various distinctive academic changes. Starting from the lower primary school, it has developed to the upper primary, remove class, teacher training class, lower secondary, upper secondary and Sixth Form or Pre-University Level.
Presently, Penang Chinese Girls’ High School, Penang Chinese Girls’ Secondary (Private), Penang Chinese Girls’ Primary School and Penang Chinese Girls’ Kindergarten are seamlessly magnificent and well-equipped with varied infrastructure on the school grounds. The student population has grown tremendously to its current crop of several thousands.
In keeping with the ground-breaking work forged by the school’s pioneers, contemporary stakeholders continue to strive for the full realization of new educational aspirations of the era. Graduates of the school spread throughout the corners of the globe responsibly bring fame and repute to their alma mater by sterling service to the community and nation, based on the school motto.
The selfless efforts of the PTA and School Governing Board in re-establishing PCGHS will never be forgotten. The contributions of donors who cherish and hold in high esteem the learning of the mother tongue as well as the sacrifice of the School Development Committee will likewise be treasured.
For sure, the good that has been done will be emulated. It is hoped the challenges that PCGHS has faced historically will forcefully impact and motivate future generations to constantly bring the good name of the institution to the fore.